Azle High football team remembers senior’s positive attitude after death in plane crash
The Azle football community is in mourning following the death of senior Jack Schwantz, 18, on Saturday. Jack Schwantz, a lineman, and his father, Charles Schwantz, were killed in a single-engine plane crash near Azle.
A Federal Aviation Administration record showed that the plane was registered to Charles, 55.
“Charles Schwantz was an accomplished commercial pilot and Jack had a passion for flying as the two spent many Saturdays flying together,” Azle football coach Devon Dorris said in a text on Sunday.
The single-engine Aeronca 7AC crashed just before 9 a.m. Saturday near Silver Creek Azle Road and Confederate Park Road in Tarrant County. Charles Schwantz was flying the plane, according to Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s Office records. The cause of the crash is under investigation.
“There are so many words to say about Jack, but what helps people now? Nothing. Those that knew Jack knew he was one of the greatest humans to ever put on the Azle Hornet jersey. That’s not talk. That’s truth,” Dorris tweeted Saturday night.
Schwantz played on the varsity team and was an offensive and defensive tackle last season and started a few games. He was listed as a player to watch this season in Dave Campbell’s Texas Football magazine.
The Hornets went 6-1 in District 3-5A Division 1 and 9-3 overall.
Azle reached the Division 1 area round. The Hornets beat Burleson Centennial, 42-35, in the first round. They were eliminated by Lubbock Coronado, 77-43.
Many of Jack Schwantz’s friends as well as others across the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex gave their condolences on social media.
“Jack is one of the most genuine people I have ever met. He impacted so many people’s life,” posted senior quarterback Chris Lee. “He was such a good soul and person to this community. He was a great role model to these young kids. I love you forever and always. Hug your loved ones today.”
Added senior linebacker Barrett Gilbreath, “Just wanna say that Jack you were the most positive and genuine person I’ve ever had the privilege of knowing. Your energy was contagious and everybody loved you for it. I’d be honored if I turned out to be half the person you were. LLJ until we meet again.”
A vigil was held Saturday night to honor and remember Schwantz.
The 2021-22 school year had just started at Azle and the football team begins its regular season on the road against Keller Fossil Ridge at Keller ISD Stadium at 7 p.m. on Thursday.
The first home game takes place Friday, Sept. 3 against Wichita Falls.
This story was originally published August 23, 2021 at 10:46 AM.
